My Second TT Experience

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I posted a report on my mostly disastrous bike time trial here. I was more prepared for this one. I arrived in Baker Park just up the road from the TT start with plenty of time to spare. I did an easy 20 minute warmup and got in line for the start in time to see my brother Matt take off a few minutes in front of me.

I actually looked the part this time - people at this time trial show up with some serious bike porn. Although I won't have my new Specialized bike for a while, I have been sporting my sweet Zipp 606s and Power Tap. I was hoping that the combination of new wheels, a little experience, recent training, and less wind would enable me to finally see that 20 mph average I've been shooting for. They held us at the start so we could be clipped in from the get-go. My only mistake for the race was being in too high of a gear when they counted down for me.


Getting clipped in during the countdown

It took me a second to get rolling, and for a moment, I was worried that I'd tip right over. I didn't, though, and I was off!




I took the first hill cautiously and spun up it

I worked on keeping my cadence high and not blowing up right away. I spent the remaining 11 miles pushing as hard as I could. I'm not sure if I am capable of redlining in an event (my muscle fibers just aren't made for it), but I was certainly close. The slight headwind on the way back wasn't as strong as I thought it could be, and I think I actually negative split it. Coming up that last big hill, I knew I would be close on time. To average 20 mph for an 11 mile course I was looking for 33 minutes. I hit the finish line in 32:35. I did it! I finally broke 20 mph! My official average was 20.36 (the course is just over 11 miles).


Pushing it to the finish

Crossing the finish line

Afterward, Steve, Matt, and I celebrated our efforts by taking a quick dip in Lake Independence. The water has been so warm around here this summer. It felt great!


Cooling off a little after Matt and I had great rides

6 comments:

Christi

Congrats on meeting the goal! Plus, I love the wheels. They look great!

Christine

Congratulations! That's wonderful! I thought about you today as I was trying to average 15 mph... I admire your determination and SPEED! :)

Betsy

Tuesday Night TT was my first time hitting a 20mph average too. I was terrified of the entire thing the 1st time but now I've decided it's actually fun....in some sick sort of way!

Unknown

Great job Pharmie! :) I love the bike and wheels!

GoBigGreen

Awesome! Ya know its weird. I didnt think i could redline either but the more TT's you do ( sorry,maybe not what you want to hear!) the more you realize you can go a tiney bit harder and your inner voice starts telling you " Can you go harder??" That is not an easy course and you did great!! Good luck with the REVE 3 race this fall!

Mike Russell

Nice time and average speed. I am sure your 606's helped you a ton. :) If nothing else they look great on your rig.